Prime Minister Andy Burnham has responded to the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be moving back to the UK, calling the couple's return and their security a 'private matter'.
The surprise announcement came on Wednesday evening. It has been reported that the King was first made aware that the move would be happening just three days before it became public knowledge.
Prime Minister's Response
On Thursday morning, during a visit in West Yorkshire, Mr Burnham addressed the news, wishing them well for their return to the UK. Asked by reporters whether the government would establish and fund their security, Mr Burnham said: “Well, this is a private matter. It’s a matter for for Harry and for Megan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making.”
Details of the Move
Harry and Meghan moved to the US more than six years ago but will move back to the UK later this month, making their home in a non-royal residence outside of London. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have already enrolled in British schools.
The Sussexes' royal status will remain the same, with the couple not being offered a “half-in-half-out” option when it comes to their roles. The family will retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.
Security and Recent Events
Harry's security was reduced when he stepped down as a working royal and he has previously spoken out about his concerns around safety while in the UK. The announcement of their move comes less than two months after the duke was trying to find a way to bring his wife and children to the UK to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
At the end of June, he was still waiting for a review by the Risk Management Board, part of the process by which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures rules on his security requirements – and he and his security detail were working to try to ensure the visit could take place safely.
Meghan travelled to the UK in July with Archie and Lilibet to join Harry when he finished a week of events promoting the games. During the visit, the duke and duchess took their children to see the King for the first time in four years at his Highgrove home, but are not thought to have raised the prospect of a return to the UK at that meeting.
